Asthma

---

Asthma in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is understood as a disorder of Lung, Spleen, and Kidney dysfunction with “phlegm obstruction” and impaired Qi flow in the airways.

1. TCM pathophysiology of asthma

TCM describes asthma as “Xiao Chuan (哮喘)”, mainly involving:

• Lung Qi failing to descend → breathlessness, wheeze

• Phlegm retention (痰) → airway obstruction

• Spleen deficiency → poor fluid metabolism → phlegm formation

• Kidney deficiency → weak breathing root (difficulty inhaling deeply)

2. Why TCM is used

🔹 (1) Relieves airway obstruction

• Reduces phlegm accumulation

• Promotes Lung Qi descent

• Improves breathing flow

🔹 (2) Reduces inflammation and hypersensitivity

• Calms airway irritation

• Helps reduce bronchial reactivity

• Supports immune regulation

🔹 (3) Strengthens internal organs

• Tonifies Spleen → reduces phlegm production

• Tonifies Kidney → improves chronic breath control

• Strengthens Lung Qi → improves resistance

🔹 (4) Prevents recurrence

• Addresses underlying deficiency patterns

• Reduces frequency of attacks

• Improves long-term stability

  
  

  3. Common TCM patterns in asthma

• Cold phlegm obstructing Lung

• Heat-phlegm in Lung

• Lung Qi deficiency

• Kidney not grasping Qi

TCM treats asthma by resolving phlegm, regulating Lung Qi, strengthening Spleen and Kidney, and improving airway function and resistance to triggers.